Monitoring Team Leader for Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (SSA)

Background:
 

As the main OSCE institution concerned with the Human Dimension of security, ODIHR is tasked, inter alia, with assisting OSCE participating States in the implementation of their Human Dimension commitments (Helsinki 1992). ODIHR’s monitoring mandate is based on a number of commitments (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003). Moreover, ODIHR serves as a point of contact for information provided by participating States (Rome 1993), and participating States have expressed their determination to co-operate within the OSCE and with its institutions and representatives in a spirit of solidarity and partnership in a continuing review of implementation (Istanbul 1999).

ODIHR assists OSCE participating States with implementing their Human Dimension commitments, which includes monitoring of human rights and building capacity of State and non-State actors in overall nine thematic portfolios. The objective of ODIHR’s Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identify areas of concern, and develop targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address the identified gaps.

The armed conflict following the Russian Federation’s invasion in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, has led to widespread civilian suffering with repeated violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

In order to fulfil its mandate, ODIHR has carried out a comprehensive monitoring initiative as of 24 February 2022 under the Human Rights Monitoring Fund, collecting information through remote monitoring and by interviewing survivors and witnesses during monitoring deployments.
 

Objective of Assignment: 
 

The objective of this consultancy is to ensure the effective organization of deployments and the collection of credible testimonies on alleged IHRL and IHL violations in line with ODIHR’s trauma informed approach. The consultant will oversee logistical, and administrative aspects, assemble deployment teams, and collaborate closely with ODIHR programmatic and security colleagues and consultants, contributing to ODIHR’s monitoring efforts in Ukraine.

Duration of Assignment:
 

90 days

Tasks and Responsibilities:
 

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Human Rights Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Coordinating the effective monitoring of deployed teams on the ground, ensuring information collection aligns fully with ODIHR’s trauma informed approach and with ODIHR priorities by liaising with Ukraine Monitoring Initiative team members.

2. Planning and facilitating deployments by preparing essential documentation and engaging with colleagues in Common Services.

3. Supervising and supporting monitoring efforts by observing and providing feedback to monitors on interview techniques, adherence to ODIHR methodologies, and proper documentation of testimonies, ensuring the application of the “do no harm” principle and integration of gender-sensitive approaches.

4. Organizing and conducting pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings for deployment participants and core team members.

5. Ensuring accurate data management by maintaining and updating relevant internal databases on collected information, deployments, and monitoring activities.
 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in public international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law or related field;
• Minimum six years’ experience in human rights monitoring, ideally in conflict-affected settings, and with interviewing survivors of human rights abuses and with persons suffering from trauma;
• Sound knowledge of international humanitarian law and relevant human rights law and standards;
• Experience of conducting interviews with the assistance of interpreters;
• Strong ability to work under stress and to be open-minded and to pursue reliable, and accurate information;
• Readiness to listen to traumatic experience and work long hours in difficult work environments; 
• Recent HEAT training including first aid training is considered an asset;
• Previous training in preventing re-traumatization and interview techniques is considered an asset;
• Previous participation in ODIHR monitoring activities is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of English, including excellent communication and drafting skills;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);

• Knowledge of the region, and Ukrainian/Russian languages is considered an asset.
   

   

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.